Walking in God's Calling

Trevor S. Ferguson

February 22, 2012

INTRODUCTION

A call to serve God in ministry is one of the greatest ‘occupations’ for us as humans. Such a call however  is often received with great trepidation as the individual comes face to face with his/her own limitations and the need for total reliance on God.

It is however very important that human beings avail themselves to serve God in the various forms of ministry as this is the means through which God has chosen to bring salvation to man.

EXPOSITION

1.    Recognizing the Call

Before we walk in the call we must recognize the call.

Let’s look at how the call of God came to some biblical characters:

Moses:  (Exodus 3:1-10) - Voice from the burning bush 

Samuel: (1^st Samuel 3:1-4) - Voice while sleeping. Note instructions of Eli. This illustrates the role pastors, ministers, senior/seasoned members can help to us to recognize the voice of God

Elisha: (1^st Kings 19:19-21) - Elijah cast his mantle upon Elisha

Peter, Andrew, James, John: (Matt 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11) - Follow me and I will make you fishers of men

Paul: (Acts 9) - Struck down by a bright light

There are many different areas of ministry to which we may be called

Service gifts – Romans 12:4-8; Ministerial Office Gifts – Ephesians 4:11

Areas to which we may be called: singing (choir, praise team etc); music (drums, keyboard, guitar, etc); evangelism (personal witnessing; tract distribution; door knocking); helps (peer counseling, encouragement [Barnabas], serving others [sick, elderly, young children, children’s home, home for the elderly etc]); maintenance (upkeep of the sanctuary and its equipment – recall the Levites and the tabernacle); ministry of the word (preaching, teaching, exhortation)

2.    Responding to the Call

Many persons are initially reluctant – Moses, Jeremiah

Initial reluctance does not disqualify us from ministry. This is illustrated in the lives of Moses and Jeremiah. Look also at parable in Matt 21:28-32

Desired response is that of Isaiah: Here am I, Send me.

3.    Walking in the Call

Having heard the voice of God and responded to the call we must continue to listen to the voice of God so that we will have ‘fresh bread’ to minister

How does God speak to us: The audible voice (e.g. the still small voice); gentle nudges or impressions on the mind; through the word; through nature or every day events; through life situations; through other persons (saints, ministers, ‘ordinary’ people)

We need to maintain our personal consecration and personal devotion and so keep close to God

We can’t expect to live off yesterday’s anointing

We must walk the talk

Practice what you preach; live what you sing; live in holiness;

Transmit the vision

Seek to reproduce your ministry in others.

Look at Paul’s charge to Timothy in 2^nd Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

4.    Completing the Call

Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

See 1^st Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-2

Remember Demas – described as fellow labourer in Philemon 1:24 but in 2^nd Tim 4:10 Paul reports that Demas had forsaken him having loved this present world

We can recover even if we stumble

John Mark – 2^nd Timothy 4:11

5.    Rewards of the Call

Mark 10:28-30 (KJV) ²⁸ Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. ²⁹ And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, ³⁰ But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

From Bethel to Peniel: How God Transformed Jacob to Israel

Trevor S. Ferguson

February 5, 2012

Genesis 32:22-30 (KJV)
²² And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two women servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.
²³ And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.
²⁴ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
²⁵ And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
²⁶ And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
²⁷ And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
²⁸ And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
²⁹ And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
³⁰ And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

INTRODUCTION

It is always good to be in the house of God. Regardless of the specific role or function we play or the position we are in, it is better to be in the house of God than anywhere else. We recall and affirm psalmist statement in Psalm 84:10 “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness”.

It is important to note however that it is possible to be in the house of God and not be fully submitted to God. Paul in his letter to the Romans writes to persons who were members of the church, admonishing them to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God and that they should be transformed by the renewing of the minds. It is possible to be in the house of God and not be transformed!!

Today I want us to look at the story of Jacob as he journeys from Bethel (the house of God) to Peniel (the face God) and to see how God transformed him from Jacob (supplanter/trickster) to Israel (one who prevails with God). My vision tonight is that God will transform some Jacobs to Israel and so bring the glory to his church.

EXPOSITION

Jacob’s story begins in Genesis 25. The biblical account records that at the time of his birth, Jacob’s hand took hold of his brother’s heel, hence his name, which means 'heel snatcher' or 'supplanter'. Early in the narrative  we see where Jacob took advantage of Esau’s hunger in order to persuade him to give up his birth right for a bowl of pottage (lentil soup). Later we again see Jacob, following the instructions of his mother deceiving his father in order to obtain the paternal blessings. These actions confirmed the character denoted by his name – one who will trick or deceive even in the pursuit of good things. As a result of the latter deception Jacob had to flee to his uncle Laban in order to escape Esau’s wrath. It is on this journey that his transformation begins.

While on his journey the Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream (Genesis 28:10-22). God promised to give Jacob the land in which he was currently sleeping and that his descendants will be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Jacob called the name of the place Bethel saying this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. He erected a pillar as a memorial of the encounter and pledged to give to God a tithe of all his blessings. Jacob continued on his journey to Haran, found Laban, met and fell in love with Rachel, married Leah and Rachel, had children and stayed in Haran 20 years.

It is noteworthy that ‘Haran means’ ‘mountainous country’; it also mean ‘parched’. Haran, the man, was the son of Terah and brother of Abraham; he died before his father and his son Lot ended up in Sodom and had to flee.  Hence we could infer that Haran was the ‘land of trouble’. We note also that when Rebecca proposed to send Jacob to Haran she expected him to stay but a few days (Gen 27:44). Thus Jacob, being in trouble, fled to the land of trouble and spent 20 years! God had to tell Jacob - It’s time to get out of Haran!

As Jacob journeyed from Haran the scriptures tell us that the angel s of God met him. He called the place Mahanaim, saying this is God’s host. This was Jacob’s third heavenly encounter but his transformation was still not complete. We see him still in fear of Esau, distressed, and planning strategies of appeasement – sending gifts to Esau, dividing the family into groups and putting his favourites Rachel and Joseph in positions where they were the least likely to get hurt if conflict arose.

Jacob’s real transformation came when he realized that he could not depend on his wit or strategies to get him out of his troubles but that he must call on his God! He then began to call out to God in earnest prayer (Gen 32:9-12). When he had finished his strategizing, God stepped in. The scripture says, Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day! The bible does not reveal the identity of the man here, but Jacob later stated that he had seen God face to face, so were understand this to be a theophany (i.e. an appearance of God in human form). As Jacob wrestled with the man it appears that none was gaining control of the contest; as the day began to break the man touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh so that it became dislocated (out of joint). Despite this however Jacob hung on to the man. This was one battle that Jacob was not going to lose! The man then asked him to let go, but Jacob countered – I will not let you go until you bless me! Jacob was asked; what is your name? After Jacob responded the man replied you will no longer be called Jacob but be would called Israel, signifying he had struggled with God and prevailed.

The name Israel is for Jacob a redemptive name.  According to Adam Clarke’s commentary one meaning of the name Israel is “the man who saw God”. This is consistent with the name that Jacob gave to the place of this encounter. Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, meaning “I have seen God face to face and my soul is redeemed”. From that day forward Jacob was a new man. No more trickery, no more deception, he was now a prince who had wrestled with God and prevailed.

APPLICATION

We note that Jacob had been to the house of God; he had received the blessing of God; he had seen the host of God but he was still not changed. It was not until he came face to face with God that he was changed!

The process of change, the transformation, came through the tenacious wrestling encounter that Jacob had at Peniel. Somebody needs to have a Peniel experience today!

You might have been in the church for a very long time or you may have come to the house of God for the very first time. God wants to transform your life today. The transformation will come through a face to face encounter with God. You must come to him in earnest prayer. Bare your all before Him and let Him know that you desperately need him. Hold on to Him and refuse to let Him go. I am sure he will come through and bless you.

Today is your Peniel opportunity. Today is your day for transformation. Today is your day of change. As God was able to change Jacob to Israel, He can change you today.

RECEIVE YOUR CHANGE!!

The Mind to Work: Five Principles for Success with Challenging Tasks

Trevor S. Ferguson

January 14, 2012

Nehemiah 4:1-6 (NKJV)
¹ But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews.
² And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish--stones that are burned?"
³ Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, "Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall."
⁴ Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity!
⁵ Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders.
⁶ So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

John 9:4 (NKJV)
⁴ I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

INTRODUCTION

The book of Nehemiah describes a period in Israel’s history when, under the leadership of Nehemiah, they successfully rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and re-established Divine order, governance and worship in Jerusalem. An analysis of the story behind this feat will provide insights for the church today and principles to guide individuals as they seek to accomplish the various tasks of life.

Nehemiah was born as a Jewish exile in Babylon and rose to one of the highest and most sensitive jobs in the land as cupbearer under King Artaxerses. (As the king’s cupbearer, he had to taste food and drink before it was offered to the king to ensure it was not poisoned.) Nehemiah’s name means “Jehovah hath consoled” or “Jehovah has comforted”. His birth might have brought comfort and consolation to his parents (likely saddened by the exile), but also spoke prophetically to the consolation he would bring to the nation of Israel as a creative, inspirational leader who could also be touched by the peoples pain and suffering. Nehemiah’s most outstanding accomplishment was the building of the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days, despite great opposition.A key factor though in Nehemiah’s success was the willingness of the people to join with him in the task as we are told in verse 6 of chapter 4 “the people had a mind to work”.

Today I want to examine this concept of “the mind to work” to see how we can apply these principles in our individual lives and in the church.

EXPOSITION

The story begins with a visit from Hanani, Nehemiah’s brother. Hanani and others had recently visited Jerusalem, so Nehemiah inquired of him how things were in Jerusalem. The news was not good! The people were in great affliction and reproach, the walls were broken and the gates burned with fire. Nehemiah was moved by the state of affairs in Jerusalem – he wept, mourned, fasted and prayed.

The king noticed the change in Nehemiah’s countenance and inquired as to the reason for his sadness. Nehemiah reported to the king how Jerusalem laid waste and the gates burned with fire.The king then asked Nehemiah what he wanted to do. Nehemiah responded “… send me to Judah”. (We need more people today who when faced with a challenging task will respond like Nehemiah and Isaiah – Send me!)

The king sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem. He obtained letters of authorization to ensure clear passage through the various territories, and a letter to the keeper of the king’s forest to obtain material for the building. When he came to Jerusalem he went by night to view the walls and the gates of the city for himself. He later gathered the people together and outlined his plans to them – he challenged them – “… let us build up the wall of Jerusalem”. The people responded, “Let us arise and build”.

Soon after they started the building of the wall they began to face opposition. Sanballat and Tobiah laughed at them suggesting they were crazy to rebel against the king. What Saballat and Tobiah did not know is that they already had the king’s approval and more than that they had the King of king’s approval. Nehemiah therefore responded – “The God of heaven will prosper us: therefore we will arise and build”.

Let’s take a look at some of the strategies that Nehemiah employed in accomplishing the task.

Chapter 3 records a key component of Nehemiah’s strategy: Division of Labour. The task was great. It is believed that the wall was about two and a half miles long and enclosed about 220 acres. Nehemiah appointed 41 groups each with a leader to work on 42 sections of the walls or gates. As a result this mammoth task was completed in 52 days! The magnitude of this achievement is highlighted when we compare the time taken to construct roads and public buildings today.  Note also that this was accomplished despite persistent opposition from the likes of Sanballat and Tobiah.

Another key reason for their success was given in verse 6 of chapter 4: THE PEOPLE HAD A MIND TO WORK!  Note – the people, not just Nehemiah, not just his sectional leaders, the people had a mind to work!! What though is this “mind to work”? I would suggest that this refers to ‘a willing and enthusiastic approach to a task’. The phase ‘the people had a mind to work’ is rendered in the NIV as “the people worked with all their heart” while the NET Bible renders it ‘the people were enthusiastic in their work”.  Thus we see that one of the keys to Nehemiah’s success was the attitude of the people towards the work. We must have a mind to work. We must be willing and enthusiastic in our approach to the work of God.

How then can we employ these principles in the church and in our individual lives? I would like to share five principles gleaned from this story which when applied to challenging tasks will greatly improve our chances of success as we work in the kingdom of God. These principles are outlined below.

1. RECOGNIZE AND BE MOVED BY THE PROBLEM

Nehemiah was comfortable in Babylon until he heard about the situation in Jerusalem. We can’t fix what we don’t know about. We need to keep ourselves informed of the challenges or issues facing individuals or the church so that we can act when required.

Having heard of the situation Nehemiah was moved – he felt their pain and distress. We note from the New Testament that Jesus often moved with compassion. It was this compassion that lead to many of the miracles that Jesus performed. We cannot become numb to the plight of the lost, the pain and suffering they experience. When we are moved we will act!

2. BE DETERMINED TO OVERCOME/SUCCEED 

Nehemiah was not contented just to go and see what was happening; he got the resources that would guarantee success. He got letters of authorization so that he could build legally. He got letters to obtain material for the building. He was fully in line with the law, had full authorization from the state and therefore he did not have to work under cover. A key element of success is to ensure proper authorization and support for the work we are doing.

Not only did he have authorization but he was driven by a passion to succeed. For him it was not ‘I want to’ or ‘I will try’ it was ‘I must’. This is exemplified in his statement to the detractors- “…I am doing a great work …I cannot come down…” His resolve was to keep on working whether he had opposition or not.  

We must be determined to succeed at the various task and make proper plans and obtain provisions to guarantee success

3. UNDERSTAND TIMES, SEASONS, OPPORTUNITIES

In John 9:4 Jesus made a simple yet profound statement with regards to the attitude to work: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” There is always a set time in which various task can be accomplished. If we miss the time we miss the opportunity. Sometimes this opportunity is lost forever! I believe that Nehemiah understood this principle.  Nehemiah understood the privilege of his position and used it to the advantage of the Jews. (Note a similar situation with Esther.)  He also understood the timing of the king’s favour and the opportunity of the moment. We must be alert to the times when opportunities present themselves. If we miss our time and fail to recognize our opportunities we are unlikely to achieve success. 

4. STAND UP TO OPPOSITION

There will always be Sanballats and Tobiahs.  We cannot allow opposition cause us to fear. We can’t allow them to stop us from working. Nehemiah instructed the people to arm themselves – half of the people kept defense while the other half kept on working. We must fight if necessary but we must keep on working

5. COMPLETE THE TASK  

Nehemiah finished building the wall and completed task in only fifty-two days. God requires us to finish the tasks we are given. We note that one of Jesus’ statements from the cross was simply “It is finished”, thus indicating that for him completing the task of securing man's redemption was important. Whenever we are assigned a task let us keep working until it is finished. Let us endeavor not to leave our task unfinished.

CONCLUSIONS 

Today there are many tasks that need to be addressed both in our individual lives and in the affairs of the church. Willing and enthusiastic workers are needed. If we have the mind to work we will be able accomplish great feats for God. Nehemiah led the people to complete the walls in 52 days.

When we have the mind to work, we will be much more efficient and effective than we are today. Like the Jews in Nehemiah’s day– Let us arise and build, let us strengthen our hands for this good work. Let us labour in God’s kingdom; Let us arise and evangelize; Let us address the social problems for those in need in the church and in the community; Let us work together to strengthen our marriages and our families; Let us commit to living holy lives; Let us commit to persistent prayer; Let us commit to fasting. 

ALL THIS WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED IF WE HAVE THE MIND TO WORK!